Time to move on.. Everyone enjoying the ride? (I am!)
Chapter 14--Freedom And A Surprise
The last shackle clicked open and the Dwarf grunted in triumph. "Can you walk?" he asked.
"To get far away from here? Aye, I'll crawl if I must," Legolas said.
"Follow me then," the Dwarf directed and headed for the opening in the floor. "I'll go first, you follow me and the others will be right behind you."
"What about my companion? I must not leave her," Legolas said.
"We aren't, the others are getting her as we speak," the Dwarf said. He dropped into the opening. "Move your arse, elf before someone comes."
Legolas followed and so did the other Dwarves slid the stone back into place, hiding the opening. Legolas shivered a little. He still hated to be in caves or underground. Luckily it didn't take long before they emerged from the tunnel.
Legolas looked around him curiously. He realized they were in a building. "Where is this place?" he asked.
"A warehouse by the docks, you'll leave here on a fast ship and be back in Gondor within a year. It'll be much faster then traveling on a merchant ship which must make many stops," the Dwarf said.
Legolas would have asked more, but clattering hoof prints interrupted him. He turned to see Jaisia rushing towards him. "Sweet cheeks!! You're all right!!" she cried. She hugged him fiercely.
Legolas blushed at the nickname, especially when some of the Dwarves snickered. He still returned the hug just as furiously. "I'm glad to see you, Jaisia. I feared you were dead," he said.
"No, but we're both alive and free, thanks to these good dwarves," Jaisia said. "I was afraid for you, my soul-brother."
Legolas gave her a puzzled look. "What do you mean, soul-brother?" he asked.
"Never mind that for now, I'll explain later. We have to go back to Minas Tirith," Jaisia said. She looked a little uncomfortable.
Legolas frowned then nodded. "Very well," he agreed. He'd talk to her about it later.
The Dwarves led them to a ship where Lightfingers was waiting for them. "Good, you're safe," he said. He tossed the Dwarves a fat pouch. "It took forever to dig to you."
"How long were we in that dungeon?" Jaisia demanded.
"Oh, just a year," Lightfingers shrugged.
"A YEAR!!!!" Jaisia yelled before Legolas could.
"Easy, you're out now, we have to get out of Xandir for all our sakes," Lightfingers said.
"What about Sandi?" Legolas demanded.
"She left for Minas Tirith a year ago," Lightfingers said casually.
This time Legolas reacted first. "WHAT?!!!" he shouted.
Lightfingers sighed and rolled his eyes as if asking the heavens for patience.
**MEANWHILE**
A servant rushed into the audience chamber and bowed to the King and Queen. "My king, my queen, there is some one here on what she claims is a very urgent and personal matter," he said.
"Very well, show her in," Aragorn said.
The servant bowed and left the room. He led a figure in a hooded cloak into the room.
"What is it you wish to speak to us about?" Aragorn asked. "Do we know you?"
"Yes and no, sire," the woman said. She dropped back her hood to reveal herself as a young girl with raven hair and steel-gray eyes.
Aragorn stared as if he'd seen a ghost and Arwen's face lost all color. No, it can't be, but it is!!! Aragorn thought stunned.
"Hello, mother and father," the girl said.
Muhahahahaha!! Got ya didn't I!!! R/R-- please!!